Born 3 February 1918. From Alhambra California. Joined the USAAC in the late 30's and learned to fly. Lived in Oklahoma and was a pilot instructor there. When the USA didn't enter the war soon enough, he joined the RAF in Canada in 1941.

Trained at the Polaris Flight Academy with Jim Peck, "Mac" McLeod and 6 others. Stayed with the same group throughout their training all the way to the Eagle Squadrons in the UK. Trained at No.56 OTU in September 1941 and was posted to 232 Squadron RAF. Joined 121 Eagle Squadron in October 1941 and subsequently, posted to 71 Eagle Squadron. Posted to Malta in September 1942 there he joined 249 Squadron becoming a Flight Commander (F/L) early in 1943, he was promoted to S/L in March and was awarded the DFC in June and a Bar the following month.

That same month he transferred to the USAAF but flew no more combat mission for the duration, he stayed in the USAF after the war and died 9 Mar. '56 when his F-84 crashed near Naha Air Field.



Distinguished Flying Cross

Citation: "Flight Lieutenant Lynch has completed 97 sorties,

including many sweeps and fighter bomber operations over Sicily. He has organised and led many sorties over areas in which the enemy was expected to be very active and, on 3 such operations, he destroyed a total of 4 enemy aircraft. In one low level bombing attack, Flight Lieutenant Lynch destroyed a locomotive while, on the return flight, he shot down an enemy air transport by machine gun fire. This officer is a fine fighter whose great skill and devotion to duty have contributed materially to the success of the squadron he commands."



Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Citation: "This officer is a skilful fighter, whose courageous example has inspired the squadron he commands. Squadron Leader Lynch has taken part in many sorties and has led his formations with great determination. He has destroyed 12 enemy aircraft."



Victories Include :

17 April 1942 1/2 x Ju88 Destroyed

19 July 1942 1/2 x Fw190 Destroyed

11 Dec 1942 1 x Me110 Destroyed

1 x Ju52/3m Probable

13Dec 1942 1/2 x Ju88 Destroyed

14 Dec 1942 1/3 x Ju88 Destroyed

17 Dec 1942 1/3 x Ju88 Destroyed

1/3 x Ju88 Destroyed

7 Feb 1943 1/2 x Ju52/3m Destroyed

7 Apr 1943 1 x Ju88 Destroyed

22 April 1943 2 x Ju52/3m Destroyed

25 April 1943 1 x Ca313 Destroyed

28 April 1943 1½ x Ju52/3m Destroyed

10 May 1943 1 x Z506b Destroyed

1 x Ju52/3m Destroyed

1 x Z506b Destroyed

1 x Me210 Damaged

13 July 1943 1 x Fw190 Destroyed



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